Poor sanitation and contaminated water are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid fever. According to UNICEF figures, 1 in 3 people in Latin America do not have access to adequate or safe sanitation, and every year, 297,000 children under 5 die due to diarrhea related to lack of water, sanitation and hygiene.

According to the organization "Waterdata", 89 million people do not have access to a toilet in the region.

These data, although alarming, are little known. In view of this, the partner companies seek to make the problem visible and raise public awareness of the situation.

"We live in a world where the lack of access to safe sanitation and proper waste management continues to be a serious problem, especially for women and children. Together with our partners, we are committed to building a more sustainable and healthy future", said Eduardo Nieto, manager of Kimberly-Clark Central America.

In Central America, the "Toilets Change Lives" program has a track record of 6 years and within this period, built sustainable community water and sanitation systems, and promoted hygiene education in communities for the benefit of 3.5 million since 2017.

In El Salvador, work is being carried out in 60 schools in the departments of Cuscatlán and Cabañas through workshops to raise awareness among girls and boys about good hygiene habits, as well as training for teachers, tutors and administrators. In addition, sanitary facilities are being renovated and hand-washing stations are being set up. In the last 8 years, this initiative has benefited more than 3 million salvadorans in collaboration with the NGO "Plan International".

"For Walmart, contributing to the development of the communities where it operates is of great importance. Therefore, it invites its customers to come to the stores, learn about the program and support this initiative, which will allow the people of the regions benefited to improve their quality of life", said Andrea Bolaños, Walmart's Assistant Director of Consumer Affairs for the region.

People interested in supporting this program can do so by purchasing Scott toilet paper at Walmart stores, Despensa de Don Juan, Maxi Despensa and Despensa Familiar.

In this way, the brand will donate resources year after year to continue benefiting the communities.

The "Bathrooms Change Lives" program, in partnership with the NGOs "Water For People" and "Plan International", aims to impact around 1 million people by 2023. In addition, it will invest more than US$2 million to improve access to basic hygiene and sanitation conditions in Latin American countries.

The program's goal is to reach 10 million people with access to safe water, safe toilets and hygiene education by 2030.

Translated by: A.M